Myristicin

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Myristicin
Myristicin.svg
Myristicin-3D-balls.png
Clinical data
Other names3-methoxy-4,5-methylenedioxy-allylbenzene; 5-methoxy-3,4-methylenedioxy-allylbenzene
Dependence
liability
None
Addiction
liability
Low
Routes of
administration
Oral (nutmeg); Insufflated (pure myristicin)
Legal status
Legal status
Identifiers
  • 7-Allyl-5-methoxy-1,3-benzodioxole
CAS Number
PubChem CID
ChemSpider
UNII
KEGG
ChEMBL
CompTox Dashboard (EPA)
ECHA InfoCard 100.009.225 OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg
Chemical and physical data
Formula C11H12O3
Molar mass 192.214 g·mol−1
3D model (JSmol)
  • O1c2cc(cc(OC)c2OC1)C\C=C
  • InChI=1S/C11H12O3/c1-3-4-8-5-9(12-2)11-10(6-8)13-7-14-11/h3,5-6H,1,4,7H2,2H3 Yes check.svgY
  • Key:BNWJOHGLIBDBOB-UHFFFAOYSA-N Yes check.svgY
   (verify)

Myristicin is a naturally occurring compound (a benzodioxole) found in common herbs and spices, such as nutmeg. [1] [2] It is an insecticide, and has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of other insecticides. [1] [3]

Contents

When ingested, myristicin may produce hallucinogenic effects, [1] [4] and can be converted to MMDMA in controlled chemical synthesis. [5] It interacts with many enzymes and signaling pathways in the body, [6] [7] and may have dose-dependent cytotoxicity in living cells. [6] Myristicin is listed in the Hazardous Substances Data Bank. [1]

Uses

Isolated myristicin has proven an effective insecticide against many agricultural pests, including Aedes aegypti mosquito larvae, Spilosoma obliqua (hairy caterpillars), [8] Epilachna varivestis (Mexican bean beetles), Acyrthosiphon pisum (pea aphids), mites, and Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies). Myristicin was shown to be an effective repellent, and to cause mortality via direct and systemic exposure. It also displayed a synergistic effect when administered to insects in combination with existing insecticides. [3]

The structure of myristicin closely resembles that of amphetamine compounds, and it is capable of producing psychotropic effects similar to MDMA compounds. [1] Because of this, it can be used in synthetic synthesis to create amphetamine derivatives, and create designer drugs like MMDMA that are similar in structure and effect to MDMA. [5] Out of the common spices that contain myristicin, nutmeg has a high relative concentration of the compound, [2] and therefore is used to exploit the effects of myristicin. [1] [2]

Furthermore, myristicin interferes with multiple signaling pathways and enzyme processes in the body. [1] [6] [7]

Sources of myristicin

Myristicin can be found in the essential oil of nutmeg, black pepper, kawakawa, [9] and many members of the Umbelliferae family, including anise, carrots, parsley, celery, dill, [10] and parsnip. [3]

Trace amounts have also been isolated from a variety of plant species including Ridolfia segetum (harvest fennel), species of the Oenanthe genus (water dropworts), species of the Lamiaceae family (mint, sage, or deadnettle families), Cinnamomum glanduliferum (Nepal camphor tree), [11] and Piper mullesua ("Hill Pepper"). [8]

Depending on the conditions of growth and storage of the plant, a high quality nutmeg ( Myristica fragrans) seed can contain up to 13 mg of myristicin per 1 gram. [12]

Physiological effects

Psychoactive effects

At a minimum dose of about 5 g of nutmeg powder, symptoms of nutmeg intoxication can begin to emerge. [10] Nutmeg intoxication may produce dizziness, drowsiness, and confusion, although in higher amounts, it may have effects similar to other deliriants due to its hallucinogenic effects. [1] [13]

Pharmacology

Myristicin is additionally known to be a weak inhibitor of monoamine oxidase (MAO), an enzyme in humans that metabolizes neurotransmitters (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine). It lacks the basic nitrogen atom that is typical of MAO inhibitors (MAOIs), potentially explaining a weaker inhibitory effect. [14]

While smaller concentrations of MAOIs may not cause problems, there are additional warnings regarding drug interactions. Those taking antidepressants that are MAOIs (such as phenelzine, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine or selegiline [15] ) or taking selective serotonin re-uptake inhibiting (SSRI) antidepressants should avoid essential oils rich in myristicin, such as that of nutmeg or anise. [16]

Metabolites

Brief overview of synthesis and metabolism Myristicin to MMDMA Synthesis.svg
Brief overview of synthesis and metabolism

Metabolism of myristicin yields 3-methoxycatechol [1] and enzymatically forms 5-allyl-1-methoxy-2,3-dihydroxybenzene (oxidation of the methylenedioxy group). Myristicin is also formed into demethylenylmyristicin, dihydroxymyristicin, and elemicin is formed into O-demethylelemicin, O-demethyldihydroxyelemicin, and safrole. [1] [ citation needed ]

Chemistry

Structural comparison of myristicin, amphetamine and derivatives Amphetamine derivative and myristicin structures.svg
Structural comparison of myristicin, amphetamine and derivatives

With a chemical structure resembling amphetamines and other precursors, myristicin can also be used to synthesize illicit hallucinogenic drugs. Under controlled conditions, myristicin isolated from nutmeg oil can be converted into MMDMA, a synthetic "designer drug" amphetamine derivative that is less potent than MDMA but produces comparable stimulant and hallucinogenic effects. [5]

Myristicin is insoluble in water, and soluble in ethanol, ether, and benzene. [1]

Toxicity

In laboratory studies, myristicin is cytotoxic. Specifically, it stimulates cytochrome c release, which activates caspase cascades and induces early apoptosis in the cells. [6] Myristicin has also been shown to inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are responsible for metabolizing a variety of substrates including hormones and toxins, allowing these substrates to accumulate. [1] [7]

The effects of nutmeg consumed in large doses are attributed mostly to myristicin: 1–7 hours following ingestion, symptoms include disorientation, giddiness, stupor, and stimulation of the central nervous system leading to euphoria. [1] [2] Also occurring are mild to intense hallucinations (similar to those induced by deliriants: walls and ceiling glitching or breathing), disorientation to time and surroundings, dissociation, feelings of levitation, loss of consciousness, tachycardia, weak pulse, anxiety, and hypertension. [1] Symptoms of nutmeg intoxication further include nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, minor to severe muscle spasms (severe in extreme overdose), headache, dryness of mouth, mydriasis or miosis, hypotension, shock, and potentially death. [1] [2] [4]

Myristicin poisoning can be detected by testing levels of myristicin in the blood. [17] There are no known antidotes for myristicin poisoning, and treatment focuses on symptom management and potential sedation in cases of extreme delirium or aggravation. [1] [18]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monoamine oxidase inhibitor</span> Type of medication

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monoamine oxidase</span> Family of enzymes

Monoamine oxidases (MAO) are a family of enzymes that catalyze the oxidation of monoamines, employing oxygen to clip off their amine group. They are found bound to the outer membrane of mitochondria in most cell types of the body. The first such enzyme was discovered in 1928 by Mary Bernheim in the liver and was named tyramine oxidase. The MAOs belong to the protein family of flavin-containing amine oxidoreductases.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Serotonin syndrome</span> Symptoms caused by an excess of serotonin in the central nervous system

Serotonin syndrome (SS) is a group of symptoms that may occur with the use of certain serotonergic medications or drugs. The symptoms can range from mild to severe, and are potentially fatal. Symptoms in mild cases include high blood pressure and a fast heart rate; usually without a fever. Symptoms in moderate cases include high body temperature, agitation, increased reflexes, tremor, sweating, dilated pupils, and diarrhea. In severe cases, body temperature can increase to greater than 41.1 °C (106.0 °F). Complications may include seizures and extensive muscle breakdown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psychopharmacology</span> Study of the effects of psychoactive drugs

Psychopharmacology is the scientific study of the effects drugs have on mood, sensation, thinking, behavior, judgment and evaluation, and memory. It is distinguished from neuropsychopharmacology, which emphasizes the correlation between drug-induced changes in the functioning of cells in the nervous system and changes in consciousness and behavior.

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Phenelzine</span> Antidepressant

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">5-MeO-DiPT</span> Psychedelic tryptamine

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References

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